Apparatus for manufacturing v belts

ABSTRACT

A cylindrical cured cord reinforced rubber sleeve is rigidly supported on rotatable, expandable mandrel, the mandrel is rotated about its longitudinal axis, a plurality of rotating grinding wheels are passed by the peripheral surface of the mandrel in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel and engage the sleeve to cut peripheral grooves in the sleeve, and a plurality of rotating cutting blades pass the peripheral surface of the mandrel in a similar manner to sever the sleeve into a plurality of V-belts. The foregoing abstract is not to be taken as limiting the invention of this application, and in order to understand the full nature and extent of the technical disclosure of this application, reference must be made to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description.

United States Patent [1 1 Braden et al.

1 Jan. 23, 1973 APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING V BELTS [75] inventors:William D. Braden, Stow; Richard P. Marshall, Tallmadge, both of Ohio[73] Assignee: The Goodyear Tire 8: Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio [22]Filed: Sept. 8, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 70,138

[52] US. Cl. ..51/5, 29/l56.62, 51/105 SP, 83/506, 264/159, 264/163 [51]Int. Cl. ..B24b 5/04, B24b 19/02, B24b 27/00 [58] Field of Search...5l/5, 3,105 SP, 105 R, 166 T, 51/95 WH, 48 R, 49; 29/156.62, 412,413;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,661,579 12/1953 Lomazzo etal. ..51/5 2,321,421 6/1943 1,555,853 10/1925 1,953,666 4/1934 1,970,1228/1934 2,205,939 6/1940 Wilson ..51/105 R 3,477,895 11/1969 Sauer..264/159 94,358 8/1869 Spooner M83118? 2,599,992 6/1952 Hill ..5 H95 WHPrimary Examiner-Donald G. Kelly AttorneyF. W. Brunner and Michael L.Gill [57] ABSTRACT The foregoing abstract is not to be taken as limitingthe invention of this application, and in order to understand the fullnature and extent of the technical disclosure of this application,reference must be made to the accompanying drawings and the followingdetailed description.

15 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PAIENIEU JAN 23 I975 SHEET 1 [IF 6INVENTURS. WILLIAM D. BRADEN 8.

RICHARD P MARSHALL PATENIEUJAH23 I975 3.711.996

sum 2 BF 6 IN VEN TORS. WILLIAM D. BRADEN 8. RICHARD P. MARSHALL zfwx MATTORNEY PATENTEDJM 23 1975 A 3.711.896

SHEET 3 OF 6 INVENTORs. WILLIAM D, BRADEN & RICHARD R MARSHALL ATTORNEYI'AILNIHJmaa I973 3,711,996

sum u UF 6 I N VEN TORS. WILLIAM D. BRADEN &

HARD P MARSHALL WMXM ATTORNEY PAIENIEnJIIIzs I975 I 3.711.996

SHEET 5 0F 6 FIG. 5

I3 rfi I2 I4 n' a r- 5 33 z 34 INVENTORS. I WILLIAM D. BRADEN a. RICHARDP. MARSHALL k/MXM ATTORNEY APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING V BELTS Thisinvention relates to the manufacture of V-belts, and more particularlyto an apparatus for forming a plurality of V-belts from a curedcylindrical sleeve.

V-belts can be manufactured in several ways. For example, each belt canbe formed individually of cords, fabric and uncured rubber, confined ina shaping and curing mold and cured under heat and pressure. Anothermethod would include the fabrication of a cylindrical sleeve of fabricand uncured rubber. The uncured sleeve is then cut into a plurality ofendless belts. These endless belts are then placed in a shaping andcuring mold and cured under heat and pressure. Still a third method, themethod with which this invention is concerned, comprises the steps offorming a cylindrical sleeve of cord and uncured rubber, curing thesleeve in a cylindrical shape and after the sleeve is cured cutting thesleeve into a plurality of endless V- belts. The present invention isdirected to an apparatus for forming V-belts from a cured cylindricalsleeve.

It is an object of this invention to provide an apparatus for cutting,with speed and accuracy, a cured cylindrical sleeve of rubber or similarelastomeric material into a plurality of V-belts.

Other objects will be in part obvious, and in part pointed out more indetail hereinafter.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction,combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will beexemplified in the construction hereafter set forth and the scope of theapplication of which will be indicated in the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the apparatus of this inventionwith portions broken away;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, taken substantiallyalong the line 22 with portions broken away;

FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, takensubstantially along the line 33 of FIG. 1 with portions broken away;

FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, takensubstantially along the line 44 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a collapsible mandrel and cured cylindricalsleeve with portions broken away;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the collapsible mandrel inFIG. 5 with the sleeve partially ground into V-belts;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 with the sleeve completely out intoV-belts;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a V-belt formed on the apparatus of FIG.1;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of a grinding arbor in theapparatus in FIG. 1 taken substantially along the line 9-9 of FIG. 1with portions broken away;

FIG. 10 is a view of a portion of the cutting arbor of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 taken substantially along line 10l0 of FIG. 1 with portionsbroken away; and

FIG. 11 is a view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1, takensubstantially along line 11- 11 of FIG. 1.

With reference to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 5, there isillustrated a cured cylindrical sleeve 32 mounted on an expandablemandrel 30. The sleeve 32 may be of any construction desired; however,the radially inner portion 11 will generally be a cord reinforcedtension section and the radially outer portion 12 a compression section.The mandrel 30 is in an expanded state and holds the sleeve 32 firminlyin a cylindrical configuration.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, and in accordance with this invention, aplurality of circumferentially extending V- shaped grooves 13 are groundin the peripheral surface of the sleeve 32 while the sleeve 32 is on theexpanded mandrel 30. The V-shaped notches or grooves 13 do not extendcompletely through the sleeve 32 but rather extend to a point 14slightly short of the radially inner surface of the sleeve 32 and theradially outer surface of a cylindrical rubber pad 34 on the mandrel 30.The sleeve 32 is then severed into a plurality of V belts 15 by cuttingthrough the last thickness of the cylindrical sleeve at the base 14 ofthe V grooves 13 to the rubber pad 34, as illustrated in FIG. 7. At thispoint'the V belts 15 are completely shaped but are turned inside out.The belts are then removed from the mandrel 30 and a simple operationofflipping the V-belts 15 inside out results in the finished productillustrated in FIG. 8.

With reference to FIG. 2, a pair of expandable cylindrical mandrels 30,31 are mounted with their rotational axes parallel and lying in ahorizontal plane. The mandrels 30, 31 are rotatably supported at one endby a turret 42 which can be rotated about the axis of the leg 43 thereofto reverse the positions of the mandrels 30, 31.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 through 4, three parallel arbors 70, 71, 72 arearranged with their axes lying in a vertical plane and parallel to therotational axes of the mandrels 30, 31. The arbors 70, 71, 72 are allmounted for rotation about their respective axes on a rack 78 which isslidably mounted on a pair of vertical rods 128 for movement therealong.The mandrel 30 is closest to the plane of motion of the axes of thearbors 70, 71, 72 when the rack 78 slides on the rods 128 and is themandrel in cutting position". The mandrel 31 is in the position farthestfrom said plane of motion of the axes of the arbors 70, 71, 72 and isthe mandrel in the loading position. Means are provided to rotate themandrel 30 in the cutting position and means are provided to rotate thearbors 70, 71, 72 as they are moved downwardly on the parallel rods 128.The sequential motion of the arbors 70, 71, 72 past the mandrel 30 inthe cutting position is illustrated in phantom in FIGS. 3 and 4. Therods 128 are mounted on a rectangular, flat, horizontal adjusting plate129 which is supported on a horizontal base plate 10. The adjustingplate 129 is mounted for movement in two directions perpendicular to theplane of motion of the axes of the arbors 71, 72. The mandrel 30 in thecutting position is positioned such that as the rotating arbors 70, 71,72 are moved downwardly on the parallel rods, the grinders and cutterson the arbors 70, 71, 72 will successively traverse the peripheralsurface 16 of the rotating mandrel 30 in a direction perpendicular tothe rotational axis of the mandrel 30 and cut circumferential grooves 13in the sleeve 32 mounted thereon to form a plurality of V- belts 15, asdescribed above and illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7.

More particularly and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the expandablemandrels 30, 31 can be of any construction well known in the art butmust provide a firm cylindrical surface when expanded in order tosupport the sleeve 32 in a cylindrical configuration for cutting.

In the particular embodiment illustrated the expandable mandrel 30 or 31comprises an expandable metal base or drum 33 generally illustrated at33 with its outer cylindrical surface covered by a cylindrical rubberpad 34. The rubber pad 34 serves the purpose of providing a surfaceagainst which the grinders and cutters may cut so as to not dull thegrinders and cutters. A cured cylindrical sleeve 32 to be cut intoV-belts is illustrated on the mandrel 30 in the cutting position. Asleeve that has been cut into V-belts is illustrated on the mandrel 31in the loading position.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 through 4, the mandrels 30 and 31 are disposedwith their rotational axes lying in a horizontal plane andparallel tothe plane of motion of the arbors 70, 71, 72 when the rack 78 movesalong the vertical rods 128. Each mandrel 30, 31 is supported by a shaft35, 36, respectively, extending coaxially therethrough. Ends l7, 18 ofthe shafts 35, 36, respectively, extend out of adjacent ends of themandrels 30, 31 and are supported for rotation about the axis of therespective shafts 35, 36 by a pair of anti-friction bearings 37, 38.Each shaft 35, 36 extends beyond the side of its respective bearing 37,38 and has one-half of a jaw-type clutch 39, 40 mounted thereon.

The bearings 37 and 38 are mounted on opposite ends of an integralstraight cross-bar 41 of a generally T-shped turret 42. The turret 42 isarranged with its leg or rotational shaft 43 and its cross-bar 41 in ahorizontal plane. The axis of the shaft 43 is parallel to the axes ofthe mandrels 30, 31 and the bearings 37 and 38 are located at equalradial distances from the rotational axis of the shaft 43 of the turret42. Thus, it can be seen that by rotating the turret 42 about the axisof its shaft 43 the positions of the bearings 37 and 38 can be reversed.The result is that the mandrel 30 in the cutting position can beswitched with the mandrel 31 in the loading position by rotating turret42 l8(). The mandrels 30, 31 can then be returned to their originalpositions by reversing the turret 42 180.

A generally horizontal bearing 44 mounted on a first upstanding frame 45supports the turret 42 for rotation about its horizontal axis orrotational shaft 43. The end 46 of the shaft 43 opposite the integralcross-bar 41 extends beyond the bearing 44 and is operably connected toa reversing valve 47. The reversing valve 47 is adapted to rotate theturret 180 degrees in one stroke and return the turret to its originalposition on the return stroke. As will be appreciated by those skilledin the art, the turret 42 need not be turned by a reversing valve butcould be turned by any means desired.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 through 3, a means 48 for rotating the mandrel30 in the cutting position is mounted on top of the first up-standingframe 45 adjacent the turret bearing 44. This drive means, generallyillustrated at 48, comprises a horizontal shaft 49 which is in axialalignment with the shaft 35 of the mandrel 30 in the cutting positionand is supported by a bearing 53 mounted on the first up-standing frame45. The end 50 of the shaft 49 nearest the mandrel 30 has one-half of aclutch 51 mounted thereon which is operably engageable with the half ofa clutch 39 mounted on the end of the mandrel shaft 35. The shaft 49 ismounted for rotational and axial motion. The axial motion of the shaftis provided by a pair of air cylinders 52 mounted 180 apart on oppositesides of the bearing to cause the clutch halves 39 and 51 to engage anddisengage. The line of motion of the plungers 54 of the air cylinders 52is parallel to the axis of the shaft 49 and the plungers 54 areconnected to the shaft 49 by means of a cross-yoke 55. The shaft 49 isoperably connected at the end opposite the clutch 51 to a drive motor 57through a gear train 56. The drive motor 57 is variable speed andprovides for a peripheral speed on the mandrel 30 of from about 15 feetper minute to about 260 feet per minute.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a coaxially engageable means 58 forsupporting the end 60 of the shaft 35 opposite the clutch 39 is mountedon a second upstanding frame which is mounted on the base 10 adjacentthe end 60. The support means 58 comprises a shaft 61 in axial alignmentwith the mandrel shaft 35 and mounted for axial and rotary motion. Theshaft 61 is provided with a conical end 62 adjacent the end 60 of theshaft 35. The conical end 62 engages a conical centering hole 63 in theend 60 of the shaft 35. A shaft 61 is supported by a bearing 64 mountedon a second upstanding frame 65. The axial movement of the shaft 61 isprovided by a pair of air cylinders 66 mounted on the bearing 64 andattached to the shaft 61 in a manner similar to the air cylinders 52attached to the drive shaft 49. The mandrel 30 in the cutting positionis thus held firmly for rotation about its horizontal axis by the shaft61 on one end and the bearing 37 on the other end.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 through 4, three cutting arbors 70, 71, 72 aredisposed in a vertical plane with their rotational axes parallel. Theplane of the rotational axes of the cutting arbors 70, 71, 72 isparallel to the axes of the mandrels 30, 31 and is displaced apredetermined distance from the mandrel 30 in the cutting position onthe side thereof opposite the mandrel 31 in the loading position. Thelowest arbor 70 or the arbor nearest the mandrel 30 in the cuttingposition has a plurality of rough cut circular grinders 73 mounted forrotary motion with the arbor 70. The middle arbor 71 has a plurality ofsmooth cut rotary grinders 74 mounted in a similar manner. The top arbor72 has a plurality of rotary cutting blades mounted in a similar manner.The grinders 73, 74 and cutting blades 75 are spaced along theirrespective arbors 70, 71, 72 for the entire width of the mandrel 30 inthe cutting position.

As best seen in FIG. 1, each arbor 70, 71, 72 is supported by a pair ofbearings 76 and 77 mounted adjacent the opposite ends of the arbors 70,71, 72. The drive end bearings 76 are adjacent the turret end of themandrels 30, 31 and the free end bearings 77 are adjacent the coaxiallyengageable means 58. The bearings 76 and 77 are mounted on a plate orcarriage 78 located on the side of the arbors 70, 71, 72 opposite themandrel 30 in the cutting position. A drive means generally illustratedat 79 is mounted on the carriage 78 and is operably connected to the endof each arbor 70, 71, 72 adjacent the drive end bearings 76. The drivemeans 79 provides for the same rotational speed of each arbor 70, 71,72. The grinders 73, 74 and cutting blades 75 are all of substantiallythe same diameter and have a peripheral speed of approximately 7,500feet per minute.

An enlarged view of a portion of the central arbor 71 is illustrated inFIG. 9. With the exception of having different grinders or cutters, allof the arbors 70, 71, 72 are the same and a description of the centralarbor 71 will cover all three arbors. The arbor 71 is provided with astraight central shaft 85 having a constant outer diameter for receivingcircular grinders 74. A collet 84 is secured to the end 83 of thecentral shaft 85 nearest the drive end bearing 76 by bolts 82 and has acoaxial circular lug 88 received in a coaxially extending bore 90 in theend 83 of the shaft 85. The collet 84 is provided with a small coaxialthroughbore 91 and a larger counterbore 92 in the end opposite the lug88. A bearing journal 93 is rotatably supported by the drive end bearing76 adjacent the drive means 79 and is provided with a circular boss 94receivable in the counterbore 92 in the collet 84. The bearing journal93 is secured in the collet 84 by means of a plurality of bolts 96extending through an annular flange 95 on the boss 94 and threadablyengaged in the collet 84.

The boss 94 is provided with a central conical depression 97 in axialalignment with the bore 91 in the collet 84. A plurality of screws 98extend radially through the collet 84 to the bore 91. A sphericalbearing 99 is disposed in the bore 91 adjacent the conical depression 97and is secured therein by conical inner ends 100 of the radiallyextending screws 98. By loosening the bolts 96 and tightening the radialscrews 98 the ball 99 is forced against the conical depression 97 in theboss 94 of the bearing journal 93, thus forcing the central shaftportion 85 of the arbor 71 axially away from the bearing journal 93.Conversely, by loosening the screws 98 and tightening the bolts 96 thecentral straight portion 85 of the arbor 71 can be drawn closer to thebearing journal 93. As noted above, all three arbors 70, 71, 72 are thesame and are provided with this means for axially adjusting the centralshaft 85.

With particular reference to FIG. 11, each bearing 77 on the end of eacharbor 70, 71, 72 opposite the drive means 79 is slidably mounted on thecarriage 78 for movement in the direction of the axis of its respectivearbor 70, 71 or 72. This sliding support can be any suitable meanswhich, in the particular embodiment illustrated, comprises a pair ofguideways 105 extending parallel to the axis of the respective arbor 70,71 or 72 and supporting base flanges 106 of the bearing 77.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, in order to secure each bearing 77 inaxial position relative to its respective arbor 70, 71 or 72, an aircylinder 110 is mounted on the carriage 78 adjacent each bearing 77. Theplunger 111 of each air cylinder 110 extends parallel to the axis of therespective arbor 70, 71 or 72 and is in engagement with the frame 112 ofthe bearing 77. When the air cylinder 110 is pressurized the plunger 111bears axially against the bearing frame 112 and provides a predeterminedaxial loading on the bearing 77 against the arbor 70, 71 or 72. Thebearing 77, being slidably mounted and preloaded in the axial directionby an air cylinder 110, may move axially if the arbor expands due toheat, or is moved axially by adjusting the collet arrangement 87 withoutchanging the axial loading on the bearings 76 and 77.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 9, a plurality of circular grinders 74 areprovided on the straight portion 85 of the middle arbor 71. The radiallyouter cutting surface 115 of each grinder '74 tapers to a point 114 andforms a generally V-shaped configuration when viewed in planescontaining the rotational axis of the arbor 71. The V-shaped cuttingsurface corresponds to the taper desired on the finished V-belt 15. Thegrinders 74 are spaced along the straight portion of the arbor shaft 85by annular spacer rings 116. The spacer rings are such that they providea space between each pair of grinders 74 equal to the desired width ofthe V-belts 15. There are enough grinders 74 provided along the straightportion 85 of the arbor 71 to cut the entire sleeve 32 into V-belts. Thegrinders 74 on the arbor 71 have a fine grain and provide the smoothfinish cut on the sleeve 32. The grinders 73 on the arbor are the sameas the grinders 74 but are coarser to provide the first cut intothesleeve 32 to form the basic V-belts.

With reference to FIG. 10, the top arbor 72 is provided with a pluralityof circular cutting blades to sever the formed V belts in the sleeve 32into individual V-belts. The cutting blades 75 may be of any materialdesired but in the specific embodiment illustrated are high-speed steelheat treated to a hardness of approximately 60 Rockwell C. The cuttingblades 75 are provided in pairs and the pairs spaced apart by annularrings 117 disposed about the shaft 85. The rings 117 provide the samecenter to center spacing between each two pairs of blades 75 as isprovided between the grinders 73 or 74.

With particular reference to FIG. 1, each grinder 73 on the arbor 70 isin vertical alignment with a grinder 74 on the second arbor 71 and eachgrinder 73, 74 on the arbor 70, 71 is in vertical alignment with a pairof cutting blades 75 on the top arbor 72. If the vertical alignment ofthe grinders 73, 74 and cutting blades 75 is not precise, adjustment isnecessary and can be accomplished by use of the adjusting ball bearing99 in conjunction with the collet 84 and adjusting bolts 96 and screws98 previously described.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 through 4, a box-like vacuum chamber 120 ismounted on the carriage 78 and encloses the cutting blades and grinderson the arbors 70, 71 and 72 with the exception of a portion of theperipheral surfaces 122 of the cutting blades and grinders nearest themandrel 30 in the loading position which protrude through a slot 121 inthe chamber 120 to engage the peripheral surface 16 of the sleeve 32. Aplurality of vacuum tubes 125 extending from the side of the carriage 78opposite the arbors, join the vacuum chamber 120 to a source of vacuum(not illustrated). This vacuum system system collects the material cutand ground from the sleeve 32 during the cutting operation and helps tocool the sleeve 32, the cutting blades 75 and grinders 73, 74.

With particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, four slide bearings 126 aresecured to the side of the carriage plate 78 opposite the arbors and arein sliding engagement over the pair of vertical rods 128. The rods 128are rigidly supported at their lower ends on the adjusting plate 129 andat their upper ends by a frame member generally illustrated at 130.

A screw-drive arrangement, best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4 and generallyillustrated at 131, is mounted on the adjusting plate or slide plate 129between the two vertical rods 128 and operably connected to the side ofthe carriage plate 78 opposite the arbors 70, 71 and 72. The

drive-screw arrangement 131 raises and lowers the carriage plate 78 onthe rods 128. A dual drive system 132, 133 is mounted on the adjustmentplate 129. The slow speed drive 133 is connected to the drive-screw 131through a clutch 134 and a belt drive 135. The high speed drive 132 isconnected to the drive screw 131 through a drive belt 136 and clutch137. The slow speed drive 133 drives the carriage 78 in the downdirection during the cutting portion of the down stroke. The high speeddrive means 132 drives the carriage 78 in the up direction, which is thereturn stroke of the carriage 78 and in the down direction when nogrinder 73, 74 or cutting blade 75 is in contact with the sleeve 32. Twodrives are provided for economy of operation since the cutting portionof the stroke must be very slow and it is desirable to move the carriage78 rapidly at other times. In the specific embodiment illustrated, thecarriage 78 lowers at a speed of w to inches per minute during thecutting portion of the stroke.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the base has a portion 150 whichextends beneath the rectangular adjusting plate 129 and is generally ofthe same size and shape as the adjusting plate 129. The portion 150 ofthe base plate 10 has a pair of straight parallel edges 151 which areperpendicular to the rotational axis of the mandrels 30 and 31. Twoparallel sides 149 of the adjusting plate 129 extend parallel to theedges 151 but lie laterally beyond the edges 151. A pair of elongatedrectangular guide bars 152 are fixed to the bottom side of the adjustingplate 129 adjacent the sides 149 and extend parallel to and adjacent tothe edges 151 of the extended portion 150 of the base plate 10 toprovide a guide channel. The bars 152 terminate short of the bottom side148 of the extended portion 150. A pair of clamping bars 153 are securedto the bottom side of the guide bars 152 by bolts 154 and extend beneaththe extended portion 150. The guide bars serve to guide the adjustmentplate 129 in directions perpendicular to the plane of motion of thearbors 70, 71, 72. The adjustment plate 129 can be fixed in a desiredposition relative to the plane of motion of the arbors 70, 71, 72 bydrawing the clamping bars 153 up tight against the extended portion 150by means of the bolts 154.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the slide plate 129 has a slot 155 therethroughwhich extends in the direction of the motion of the adjusting plate 129.A lug 156 is rigidly mounted on the extended portion 150 and extendsupwardly through the slot 155. A screw-drive arrangement generallyillustrated at 157 is rigidly mounted on the adjusting plate 129 and isthreadably engaged with the end 158 of the lug 156 which protrudesthrough the adjusting plate 129. By operation of the jack screwarrangement 157, the adjusting plate 129 can be moved relative to thebase plate 10 in directions perpendicular to the plane of motion of thearbors 70, 71 and 72. This provides a means for adjusting the relativedistance between the plane of motion of the arbors and the rotationalaxis of the mandrel 30 in the cutting position and thus a means ofadjusting the depth of cut in the sleeve 32.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a square tubular member 160is supported between the first and second up-standing frames 45 and 65and has its horizontal axis lying generally below and parallel to themandrels 30 and 31. Vertical guide blocks 166 and 167 are mounted on theopposite ends of the tubular member 160 and are in sliding engagementwith vertical slide rods 168 and 169, respectively, mounted on theup-standing frames 45 and 65. A jack screw arrangement generallyillustrated at 161 is mounted on the base 10 adjacent the secondup-standing frame and is operably connected to the tubular member toraise and lower the tubular member 160 in a vertical direction along theslide rods 168, 169. A horizontal shaft 162 is mounted for rotationabout its long axis inside of the tubular member 160 and extends theentire length thereof. A pinion 163 is mounted on each end of the shaft162 for engagement with a pair of vertically extending racks 164 mountedon the base 10. This shaft and pinion arrangement maintains the tubularmember 160 in a horizontal position when the tubular member 160 is beingraised and lowered by the jack screw assembly 161.

An open ended box-like slide is disposed about the tubular member 160for sliding motion therealong. A rotary grinder 171 is rigidly mountedon the box-like frame with a grinding wheel 172 mounted for rotation.about an axis parallel and generally below the axis of the mandrel 30 inthe cutting position. By raising the tubular member 160, the grindingwheel 172 can be brought into and out of engagement with the peripheralsurface of the rubber base 34 on the mandrel 30 in the cutting position.A threaded lug 175 is fixed to the boxlike sleeve 170.on the sidethereof opposite the grinding wheel. A rod 174 is rotatably mounted onand parallel to the tubular member 160 and is in threaded engagementwith the lug 175. A drive means 176 is supported by the tubular member160 and is operably connected to one end of the threaded shaft 174. Byrotating the shaft 174 the sleeve 170 and thus the grinder 171 is drawnalong the tubular member 160 in a direction parallel to the axis of themandrel 30. The grinder 172 therefore will traverse the peripheralsurface of the mandrel 30 in a direction parallel to the rotational axisthereof. If the peripheral surface of the rubber base 34 becomesirregular, a true cylindrical shape can be restored by rotating theexpanded mandrel 30 and drawing the rotating grinding wheel 172 alongthe peripheral surface thereof.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 through 4, the mandrel 30 in the cuttingposition, loaded with a cured cylindrical sleeve 32, is rotated by meansof the drive 48. The arbors 70, 71 and 72 are rotated by means of thedrive 79. The drive means 132, 133 draw the carriage 78 downwardly alongthe slide rods 128 and the cutting arbors 70, 71 and 72 sequentiallytraverse the peripheral surface of the mandrel 30 in the cuttingposition in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the mandrel 30 (asillustrated in phantom in FIGS. 3 and 4) and cut the grooves 13 in thesleeve 32 previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Thegrinders 73 on the arbor 70 make the first rough cut in the sleeve 32,then the grinders 74 on the arbor 71 smooth off the sides 17 of the Vbelts and finally the cutting blade 75 on the arbor 72 make the finalcut to separate the V belts 15. While the arbors are cutting the groovesin the sleeve 32 on the mandrel 30 in the cutting position, the operatorremoves previously formed V belts 15 from the mandrel 31 in the loadingposition and places a new cured cylindrical sleeve 32 thereabout. Whenthe carriage 78 completes its cutting stroke it is raised back to itsoriginal position above the mandrel 30. The turret 42 is then rotated180 degrees to switch positions of the two mandrels 30, 31 and theoperations described above are repeated. This apparatus provides a meansof cutting a cylindrical sleeve into a plurality of V-belts in aone-stroke operation of the cutting means. The cutting and grindingmeans are moved into engagement with the peripheral surface of therotating cylindrical sleeve along paths lying in a plane perpendicularto the rotational axis of the cylindrical sleeve. Thus it can be seenthat there is no unbalanced axial thrust on the cylindrical sleeve todistort the sleeve and cause irregularities in the final V-belt.

While in the specific embodiment illustrated there are two arbors havinggrinding means or grinding wheels and one arbor cutting means orcircular blades, it is to be understood that any combination of grindersor grinders and cutting blades may be used. Further, while the cuttingblades 75 are shown as arranged in pairs to sever the sleeve betweenadjacent belts, it should be understood that a single cutting bladecould be used.

While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown forthe purpose of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in this art that various changes and modifications may be madetherein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for cutting a plurality of endless belts from acylindrical cured sleeve having the various elements of the beltstructure included therein, said apparatus comprising a mandrel mountedfor rotation and having means thereon to support said sleeve, means forrotating said mandrel about its longitudinal axis, a plurality ofgrinders mounted in spaced relationship with respect to thecircumference of said mandrel, means for effecting relative movementbetween said mandrel and said grinders along a path lying in a planeperpendicular to the axis of rotation of said mandrel so that thedistance between said mandrel and said grinders decreases to cause saidgrinders to engage said sleeve, a plurality of knives mounted in spacedrelationship with respect to the circumference of said mandrel and meansfor effecting relative movement between said mandrel and said knivesalong a path lying in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation ofsaid mandrel so that the distance between said mandrel and said cuttersdecreases to cause said cutting means to engage said sleeve.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grinders comprise aplurality of rotary grinders mounted for rotation about an axis parallelto the rotational axis of said mandrel, and said knives comprise aplurality of rotary cutting knives mounted for rotation about an axisparallel to the rotational axis of said mandrel.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the paths of movement ofsaid grinders and-said cutters are each spaced from the rotational axisof said mandrel a predetermined distance such that said grinders and cutters traverse the peripheral surface of said mandrel and engage saidsleeve mounted on said mandrel to form and out said sleeve into aplurality of belts.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, which includes a second mandreland means mounting each mandrel for movement into and out ofapredetermined position with respect to said path of movement.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the paths of movement ofsaid grinders and said cutters are straight and perpendicular to therotational axis of said mandrel and are spaced from the rotational axisof the mandrel in said predetermined position a predetermined distancesuch that said cutters and said grinders pass by the peripheral surfaceof said mandrel and engage said sleeve mounted on said mandrel to cutsaid sleeve into a plurality of belts.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, further including means foradjusting the distance between said paths of movement and the rotationalaxis of said mandrel in said predetermined position.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further including means forgrinding the peripheral surface of said mandrel.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said means for effectingrelative movement between said mandrel in said predetermined positionand said grinders and said means for effecting relative movement betweensaid mandrel in said predetermined position and said cutters comprise; apair of spaced parallel rods perpendicular to the axes of said mandreland mounted on said base, a carriage mounted for sliding movement on andlongitudinally with respect to said rods and means mounting saidgrinders and said cutters on said carriage for movement therewith.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said means for effectingrelative movement between said mandrel in said predetermined positionand said grinders and said means for effecting relative movement betweensaid mandrel and said predetermined position and said cutters comprise;a pair of spaced rods parallel to said path of movement and mounted onsaid base, a carriage mounted for sliding movement on and longitudinallywith respect to said rods, and means mounting said grinders and saidcutters on said carriage for movement therewith.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, further including a secondplurality of grinders mounted on said carriage for rotation about anaxis parallel to the axis of rotation of said cutters.

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, further including means forgrinding the outer peripheral surface of one of said mandrels and meansfor collecting waste material generated when grinding and cutting saidsleeves.

12 An apparatus for cutting a plurality of endless belts from acylindrical cured sleeve having the various elements of the beltstructure included therein, said ap paratus comprising a mandrel mountedfor rotation and having means thereon adapted to support said sleeve ina firm cylindrical configuration, means for rotating said mandrel aboutits longitudinal axis, a plurality of grinders mounted in spacedrelationship to the circumference of said mandrel, and means foreffecting relative movement between said mandrel and said grinders alonga straight path lying in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis ofsaid mandrel such that said grinders traverse the peripheral surface ofsaid mandrel and engage said sleeve mounted on said mandrel to cut saidsleeve into a plurality of belts.

movement comprises a pair of spaced rods mounted on said base andparallel to said line, a carriage mounted for sliding movement alongsaid rods and means mounting said grinders on said rack for movementtherewith.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein each cutter comprises apair of circular blades for severing said belts.

1. An apparatus for cutting a plurality of endless belts from acylindrical cured sleeve having the various elements of the beltstructure included therein, said apparatus comprising a mandrel mountedfor rotation and having means thereon to support said sleeve, means forrotating said mandrel about its longitudinal axis, a plurality ofgrinders mounted in spaced relationship with respect to thecircumference of said mandrel, means for effecting relative movementbetween said mandrel and said grinders along a path lying in a planeperpendicular to the axis of rotation of said mandrel so that thedistance between said mandrel and said grinders decreases to cause saidgrinders to engage said sleeve, a plurality of knives mounted in spacedrelationship with respect to the circumference of said mandrel and meansfor effecting relative movement between said mandrel and said knivesalong a path lying in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation ofsaid mandrel so that the distance between said mandrel and said cuttersdecreases to cause said cutting means to engage said sleeve.
 2. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grinders comprise aplurality of rotary grinders mounted for rotation about an axis parallelto the rotatIonal axis of said mandrel, and said knives comprise aplurality of rotary cutting knives mounted for rotation about an axisparallel to the rotational axis of said mandrel.
 3. An apparatus asclaimed in claim 2, wherein the paths of movement of said grinders andsaid cutters are each spaced from the rotational axis of said mandrel apredetermined distance such that said grinders and cutters traverse theperipheral surface of said mandrel and engage said sleeve mounted onsaid mandrel to form and cut said sleeve into a plurality of belts. 4.An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, which includes a second mandrel andmeans mounting each mandrel for movement into and out of a predeterminedposition with respect to said path of movement.
 5. An apparatus asclaimed in claim 4, wherein the paths of movement of said grinders andsaid cutters are straight and perpendicular to the rotational axis ofsaid mandrel and are spaced from the rotational axis of the mandrel insaid predetermined position a predetermined distance such that saidcutters and said grinders pass by the peripheral surface of said mandreland engage said sleeve mounted on said mandrel to cut said sleeve into aplurality of belts.
 6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, furtherincluding means for adjusting the distance between said paths ofmovement and the rotational axis of said mandrel in said predeterminedposition.
 7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further including meansfor grinding the peripheral surface of said mandrel.
 8. An apparatus asclaimed in claim 2, wherein said means for effecting relative movementbetween said mandrel in said predetermined position and said grindersand said means for effecting relative movement between said mandrel insaid predetermined position and said cutters comprise; a pair of spacedparallel rods perpendicular to the axes of said mandrel and mounted onsaid base, a carriage mounted for sliding movement on and longitudinallywith respect to said rods and means mounting said grinders and saidcutters on said carriage for movement therewith.
 9. An apparatus asclaimed in claim 6, wherein said means for effecting relative movementbetween said mandrel in said predetermined position and said grindersand said means for effecting relative movement between said mandrel andsaid predetermined position and said cutters comprise; a pair of spacedrods parallel to said path of movement and mounted on said base, acarriage mounted for sliding movement on and longitudinally with respectto said rods, and means mounting said grinders and said cutters on saidcarriage for movement therewith.
 10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9,further including a second plurality of grinders mounted on saidcarriage for rotation about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation ofsaid cutters.
 11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, further includingmeans for grinding the outer peripheral surface of one of said mandrelsand means for collecting waste material generated when grinding andcutting said sleeves. 12 An apparatus for cutting a plurality of endlessbelts from a cylindrical cured sleeve having the various elements of thebelt structure included therein, said apparatus comprising a mandrelmounted for rotation and having means thereon adapted to support saidsleeve in a firm cylindrical configuration, means for rotating saidmandrel about its longitudinal axis, a plurality of grinders mounted inspaced relationship to the circumference of said mandrel, and means foreffecting relative movement between said mandrel and said grinders alonga straight path lying in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis ofsaid mandrel such that said grinders traverse the peripheral surface ofsaid mandrel and engage said sleeve mounted on said mandrel to cut saidsleeve into a plurality of belts.
 13. An apparatus as claimed in claim12, further including a second mandrel and means mounting each mandrelfor movement into and out of a predetermined position with respect tosaid lIne.
 14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, further includingmeans for adjusting the distance between said path and said rotationalaxis of said mandrel in said predetermined position and wherein saidmeans mounting said mandrel and said grinders for relative movementcomprises a pair of spaced rods mounted on said base and parallel tosaid line, a carriage mounted for sliding movement along said rods andmeans mounting said grinders on said rack for movement therewith.
 15. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein each cutter comprises a pairof circular blades for severing said belts.